R&D Engineer - 135631

Incumbent oversees design and manufacturability components of student and research projects. Develops detailed designs from oral descriptions of apparatus objectives. Uses manufacturing engineering principles to select best fabrication technology and methods. Works with potential industry and research sponsors to evaluate the scope and viability of proposed projects. Provides department researchers with engineering recommendations regarding test apparatus in areas of engineering feasibility, manufacturability, safety, engineering risk, reliability, effectiveness, and cost. Guides students through the design process including background investigation, concept generation, risk reduction, design embodiment, fabrication, testing and evaluation. Assesses student design documentation including detail design, project descriptions, and final reports. Works with Design Engineering faculty to provide feedback and guidance to student design teams. Provides engineering consultation to researchers and students in the areas of machine design, fabrication, and design for manufacturability. Develops training curriculum and provide direct training in the area of "Design for Manufacturability". Works with other engineers and technical support staff to integrate their expertise into multidisciplinary projects.

Manages the MAE Departmental Machine Shop as well as the SATEC pneumatic and Instron gear drive load frames. Supervise two machine shop career staff and student worker. Provide work direction and workload distribution for all staff working in machine shop areas; train and supervise student employees. Responsible for equipment inventory and purchase. Provides instructional services to certify faculty, students and staff in the use of the machine shop. Provides training in the areas of Computer Numerical Control (CNC) of machinery and general Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) methods as well as Solidworks and MasterCam. Works with other technical staff to support laboratory and design spaces.

• Thorough knowledge and experience with engineering principles and methods to independently perform the full range of engineering professional design work. In depth knowledge of manufacturing and fabrication methods used for a wide range of mechanical devices including material removal (lathe and mill), welding, and EDM.
  In depth knowledge of mechanical engineering design drawings (i.e. production and interpretation of shop drawings).

• Thorough knowledge necessary to apply principles, practices and procedures in the completion of assignments. Expertise in engineering for Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and incorporating manufacturing considerations into the design process. Expertise in latest Computer Aided Design and Manufacturing (CAD/CAM) software and methods as well as Solidworks/Solidworks and MasterCam. Ability to apply theoretical and/or mathematical approaches in determining the feasibility of engineering designs with consideration of such factors as system effectiveness, reliability, configuration, and cost.

• Demonstrated organizational and decision-making abilities to prioritize competing work assignments in order to meet deadlines and adherence to quality standards. Ability to analyze and prioritize workload and projects. Ability to organize work with changing priorities, frequent interruptions and minimal supervision. Ability to exercise mature independent judgment. Ability to work independently and resolve issues without direct supervision.

• Strong analytical and judgment skills to independently conduct analyses and develop appropriate recommendations. Familiarity with material selection to meet engineering and manufacturability needs; familiarity with mechanical component selection to meet engineering needs.

• Effective written and verbal communication and presentation skills. Skill in expressing oneself verbally and in writing; knowledge of correct English grammar, spelling and punctuation.

• Ability to work in a collaborative manner; identify challenges and barriers and recommend resolutions. Ability to communicate with a diverse group of people in a helpful, effective and informative manner demonstrating tact and diplomacy. Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work and communicate with a wide variety of people.

• Ability to lead and influence others. Ability to train, supervise, and mentor student employees. Demonstrated experience and skills to routinely monitor production and quality of work being produced by staff and setting performance standards. Demonstrated experience and skills to assess staff capabilities, workloads and redistribute when necessary. Demonstrated experience and skills to teach/train staff in all aspects of job duties/responsibilities. Skills and knowledge of personnel practices and policies, i.e., affirmative action, interviewing and selection processes, supervision, benefits, corrective action, evaluation, etc.

• Experience and skill in use of mechanical shop, woodshop, welding, and sheet metal shop equipment.

• Experience and use of CNC (Computer Numerical Control) Mills and Lathes.

• Experience and skill in the machining of precision mechanical components.

• Ability to delegate duties and provide work direction to other technical staff.

• Ability to maintain accurate records and produce reports or budget information as requested.

• Ability to maintain and repair machine shop equipment. Ability to recognize and prioritize equipment needs.

• Ability to develop curriculum, compile teaching material, and lead classes.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

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